[Mar. 3rd]March 3rd is Hina matsuri, which is a celebration day for girls. Every household who has a daughter has a set of hina dolls, and people will bring it out of their closets and set it up in their house for display from around early February until mid March.(Photo Copyright: )

Shiga: Hikiyama Matsuri

[Apr. 9th - 16th]The most interesting thing you will see at this festival are children (only boys) dressed in traditional costumes and makeup performing kabuki on small stages built on floats. These floats are pulled around on the streets, starting at Hachimangu Shrine in Nagahama. The festival period is long, and each day has a different event.

Gifu: Takayama Sanno Matsuri

[Apr. 14th and 15th]This festival is known as one of the three most beautiful festivals of Japan. It celebrates the start of the spring, and multiple floats in bright colors and detailed decorations are slowly pulled by participants dressed in traditional costumes, for visitors to see. On each float is a puppet, and they will have short performances as well.

[May 3rd to 5th]This festival consists of a parade of people playing roles of historical people such as the Fujiwara clan, the family that dominated the politics of the Heian period, and prays for life longevity and good harvest. People will play music and perform classical dances. Events will depend on the day, so be sure to do research prior to visiting.